Part of Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary has been closed due to virus outbreak

Ward 14 at the 330-bed Dumfries and Galloway Royal infirmary has been closed.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway said today that they had taken the precautionary measure to temporarily restrict visitors to Ward 14 at the Infirmary.

The small Annan Cottage Hospital with 18 beds, 16 miles away, has also been closed to new admissions, transfers and routine visiting due to the outbreak.

A spokesman said that a number of patients and members of staff at both hospitals have symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea which is clinically consistent with Norovirus.

The Hospital's Infection Control team is continually monitoring the situation at both hospital and has implemented full outbreak control measures and all appropriate infection control procedures have been put in place.

"We appreciate that this temporary visiting restriction to Ward 14 and Annan Hospital may cause some frustration, this measure will allow us to help prevent further spread of the infection and ensure safe patient care."

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He added: "Where circumstances are such that relatives are concerned about the need to visit their loved ones, they are asked to contact the ward before coming to the hospital.

"We are aware of a large number of reports of Norovirus within the community, and all members of the public visiting other areas of the hospital are asked to comply with the hand hygiene and infection control measures in place, and not to visit if they are feeling unwell themselves.”